Our Journey to Machu Picchu

We have secured a space on a very, very exciting trek to Machu Picchu, via the breathtaking Sacred Valley. I looked at all the options for high traffic touristy Inca Trail, which require passes that are near impossible to get, and then I found out about this, a different route to Machu Picchu, but with a more moderate pace and with more time spent in local villages where life has hardly changed in 500 years!

At first I was bummed that the typical trek was not an option. But when I learned about this trek to Machu Picchu, called the Lares Valley Trek, I was more and more glad with each detail that we are choosing it! Much more relaxed, much fewer tourists on the trail, much more time learning about the ancient culture of the Andes.

By going this way, we also get to Machu Picchu before the tourist groups. We will enjoy sunrise there andthen time to explore this ancient Inca city. This will be amazing!

No one should be worried if they are not a hiker. Neither am I, and we will ensure a moderate place. Plus, the deal we have is that there will be porters (and even horses!) with us to carry most of our gear. The folks who do this are pros and will take care of us. Having said that, why not make it a summer goal for all of us that we work to be in great condition for the trip!

Anyway, learn more about this trip by clicking here. And here are some more pics:

The Scoop on Vaccinations

Okay, it seems we may have another way to get insurance coverage for shots. The first thing to do is find out what insurance you have. It is on the health form I gave. Or ask your folks. Then contact them and tell them about this trip, that it is required, and ask where you should go. The chances are that if you go to a doc in your network it will be covered. For Peru, you may have many options to get the shots. The doc below is excellent and local

Curtis Gongwer, M.D.
(574) 288 1200
He is located just north of
St. Joe Hospital in Medical Pavillion 1

You can also call his office , tell them what insurance you have, and see if the insurance works there . I know for a fact that he is in Blue Shield/Anthem network, but he also is in like 15 others.

Again, you probably will have many docs to choose from; just ask your insurance.

Now, if insurance looks like it will not cover this, then the cheaper route is the St. Joseph County Health Department. You can go there individually or in small groups, to receive the vaccinations. Then you can get the anti Malaria meds at a nearby pharmacy. Here are their phone numbers. Health Department for shots: (574) 256 6233 You can tell them you are with the Holy Cross group going to Peru . They are located at 219 Lincoln Way West, Mishawaka IN 46544.


And here is the list of shots you need and their price at the health clinic:
Hepatitis A $33
Hepatitis B (you may have had this shot; if not then a and B total $50)
Tetanus $8
MMR (most have had this shot already) $50
Typhoid $58

Doctors charge more, but if insurance covers them and not the health clinic than the doc is the better option.

Finally, I am attaching the letter I gave you if you need to forward it to your insurance provider.

Any questions, email me.